Government Spending

A class assignment inviting students to consider options, "ways and means" with which to reduce government spending and still maintain an effective system. Are there creative options that would create little or no impact on our economy?

Thursday, January 27, 2005

Ideas for reduced spending...

President Bush has proposed plans to reduce high tax rates, plus an overhaul of the federal tax code may be preposed. (M.Reidl, 2003) While these strategies may mean less tax, it also means that Washington must put itself on a budget. Is it possible that bigger government can solve a big fiscal challenge?

So what are the options? Is lowered spending even possible with our monolith government?
How about returning local programs to their respective states?
Here are some thoughts:
Empower the private sector to carry out current government functions - ie: utilities, airports, communications (see British economy).
What about the post office? Privitize it!
How about the Department of Motor Vehicles? Something tells me I wouldn't have to wait in line so long to get my driver's license renewed if the DMW was privately owned and operated.

If the government wants to see citizens take control of their own future, have the ability to invest money that is now taken from paychecks for social security and make retirement investments, doesn't it seem wise to lead by example and find ways to reduce spending, become more frugal, set the example and practice what is preached?

8 Comments:

Blogger Straight Up with Sherri said...

Leading by example is key, but what we seem to have is a set of people in government that want us to do as they say-- not as they do. One of the reasons I am looking for a list of all the D's serving in the 109th Congress is that I plan to get in toush with each of them and ask them if they take advantage of the program for government employees that is much like waht Bush is proposing. Funny- people want to keep their own money in private accounts while taking yours--

If we are ever going to get government to shrink- and stop participating in WASTING OUR money-- WE need to get involved. But, alas-- most Americans have no idea who their elected officials really are. Politics is corrupt- because WE ARE LAZY! The guy with the most money in his account usually wins.... and guess who finances campaigns? Not the average Joe-- But the average Joe shows up to vote without doing their homework- or clinging to out-dated notions - or simply votes for a donkey or an elephant.......

Shame.......

But I love your blog- and you have done some great thought and have some great ideas!!!!!!!!

Keep it up!!!

February 12, 2005 at 9:05 PM  
Blogger Contemporary History said...

Welcome and thank you RWNJ -
for your post and comments.

It would be a refreshing change - perhaps not too unrealistic...given enough voice and support.

February 13, 2005 at 12:49 PM  
Blogger JACK ARMY said...

My 2 cents: I concur with Sherri in that more Americans need to be involved in government at all levels. Participation will inevitably increase knowledge of the issues. If more people knew what government was up to, what it does and what it was capable of doing, I think less people would rely on it it fix thier problems. More people would realize that government has less control over factors that affect thier lives than they think.

Personally, I'm tired of politians thinking that they need to promise to give me something in order to get my vote.

February 13, 2005 at 7:02 PM  
Blogger GMan said...

This looks like it's going to be a pretty serious blog moving forward. Unfortunately, I drank too much this weekend and I think I brain my damaged. Therefore, I will provide zero insite and just wish the best on the new blog.
-The Gman

February 13, 2005 at 8:30 PM  
Blogger Contemporary History said...

Sorry to hear about your loss of brain cells G-Man; thanks however for your support! Hope yours is a Happy Valentine's Day!

February 14, 2005 at 2:03 PM  
Blogger Contemporary History said...

Please excuse my school girl enthusiasm, but this is really cool! I have had no experience with these things, these Blogs. I knew they existed but had never interacted with one until this session's class. Can you say green? Who came up with the name "blog" anyway? Could've called it "Goo"...or "blather". What does it mean? :) What does it all mean?

Anyway, thanks for the hearty welcomes and support; until next time...

February 14, 2005 at 2:15 PM  
Blogger Straight Up with Sherri said...

BLOG is short for Web Log!

Kinda like "interanet journal"

The great thing is that due to the information age-- we are able to do much more than just keep a diary..

We are forcing the MSM (Mainstream Media) to face the fact that their monopoly on info is coming to a GLORIOUS END!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Laura for your willingness to become part of the fight!!

YOU ARE PRICELESS!!!

February 16, 2005 at 11:00 AM  
Blogger Contemporary History said...

Let's have it then, Dr. Liberty, please expound on the socialist tendencies of one Sir Right Wing Nut Job...I strive to be enlightened.

RWNJ -
You say, "please not the brits", can you elaborate?

Doesn't deregulation of media outlets open the door for monopolization? (not that it hasn't already happened...or at least oligopy).

February 18, 2005 at 9:23 AM  

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